October 4, 2005

LIVINGSTON, Ala.—The University of West Alabama Board of Trustees recently approved a motion to formally name the new UWA tennis complex in memory of Howard R. Vaughan, who served as a member of the Board from 1967 to 1988. Vaughan, a tennis lover and longtime supporter of the institution, died in Feb. 2004. His wife, Betty, and son, Ray, established an endowment to build and maintain the Howard R. Vaughan Tennis Complex, which will be used by the UWA men’s and women’s tennis teams.

“This is a proper tribute to Howard Vaughan in recognition of his love of tennis and for his many years of dedicated service to UWA, its faculty, staff and students,” said university President Richard Holland. “We thank the Vaughan family for their generous gift that will help enhance our campus.”

A native of Birmingham, Vaughan received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama and his Ll. B. degree from the Birmingham School of Law. After some years as a Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, he joined Liberty National Life Insurance Company as Vice President for Governmental Relations, lobbying in Montgomery and Washington D.C. Vaughan also served thirty years in the United States Air Force Reserve, retiring with the rank of Colonel.  

As a member of the UWA Board of Trustees, Vaughan served as Chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee. He led in the development of the university’s financial policies, and he had a strong interest in student affairs and academic programs. According to Vaughan’s widow, he was “crazy about the Board and had great friends at the university.”

“We both enjoyed Livingston. We always had a great visit,” said Betty Vaughan. “Howard also loved to play tennis with the men in town when he went for meetings.”

Because tennis was his passion and favorite pastime, she believes the new tennis courts are a fitting way to honor her late husband.

“The tennis complex is the perfect memorial for him. He played since he was in junior high school in the parks in Birmingham,” said Vaughan. “Tennis was with him forever, and we wanted to do something that would give those who never knew him an insight into his life.”   

The Vaughan Complex will serve as the practice and competition courts for the newly reinstated UWA tennis teams. A formal dedication ceremony will take place following the completion of a monument honoring Vaughan.